Enhancement of the Luminescence Properties of Eu (III) Containing Paramagnetic Saponite Clays

In this study, 1,10-phenanthroline molecules were introduced in the interlayer space of a paramagnetic synthetic saponite clay containing both Eu3+ and Gd3+ ions in structural positions. Two samples with different loading of phenanthroline dye were prepared. The resulting hybrid materials possessed improved optical emission properties due to an efficient antenna effect from the phenanthroline to the Eu3+ centers; this effect was demonstrated to be higher than the metal-to-metal Gd3+-Eu3+ energy transfer previously studied. Insights on the relaxometric properties in aqueous solution of the solids after incorporation of the antenna groups were also obtained through NMR relaxometric analyses.

Automated summary

In this study, 1,10-phenanthroline molecules were introduced into a paramagnetic synthetic saponite clay with Eu3+ and Gd3+ ions, resulting in improved optical emission properties. The antenna effect of phenanthroline on Eu3+ centers was found to be higher than the previously studied metal-to-metal Gd3+-Eu3+ energy transfer effect. Relaxometric properties of the solids in aqueous solution were also analyzed through NMR relaxometry after incorporation of the antenna groups.